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PHYS 1100 Essentials of Physics Syllabus 

Sponsoring Institution: Idaho State University 

3 Credits 

Instructor Information 

Course Instructor:  Bryan Barclay

• Email:  bbarclay@uidaho.edu, cc. barcbrya@isu.edu
• Phone: 208-282-4092
• Office Hours: by email
• Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications. 

Dr. Bryan Barclay grew up on a dairy farm in South Eastern Idaho.  He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University, then worked for Boeing Commercial Airline Company, in Everett, Washington. While at Boeing he earned a master’s degree in physics at the University of Washington.

After Boeing, he worked for Morton-Thiokol in Utah. Two years later, he began his teaching career at Salt Lake Community College. In another two years, he went back to graduate school and earned a Ph.D. in physics from Utah State University (USU) in 2001. While working on his doctorate, he taught math and physics part time for USU and Weber State University. He is currently teaching physics and math for the College of Technology at Idaho State University. His research involves astrophysics and the title of his dissertation is “Probing Void Structure Using Galaxy Number Count Techniques.” He enjoys camping, bike riding, and playing his banjo. He is married and has three kids.

Course Description

A survey of basic physics principles; motion, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, light, atoms, and nuclei. Includes lecture, demonstrations and elementary problem-solving.

Physics is a science course concerned with the properties of motion, matter, and energy. This course focuses on mechanics, solids and fluids, thermodynamics, waves and sound, electrostatics and magnetism, light, and the structure of the atom.

This course is designed for students who typically have little scientific background. No formal knowledge of physical science is required. A working knowledge of high school algebra, however, is assumed.  You will need a calculator, which can handle scientific notation.  The mathematics we use in this text goes no farther than high school math and algebra. Mathematics is a powerful tool for expressing the quantitative relationships of physics. This text has done well in minimizing the use of mathematics; it has retained the logical coherence necessary to adequately introduce physics.

ISU students: Partially satisfies Objective 5 of the General Education Requirements.

Corequisite: Math 1108 Intermediate Algebra or equivalent

Course Learning Outcomes 

• Understand the basic principles of Physics and the scientific method.
• Develop an understanding of the physics observed around you.
• Learn the contributions of many physicists who have discovered the fundamental laws and principles of physics.

Required Materials

Hewitt, Paul G. Conceptual Physics. 11th Ed. Addison-Wesley, 2009. ISBN-10: 0-321-56809-5 / ISBN-13: 978-0-321-56809-0

Recommended: Hewitt, Paul G. The Practice Book for Conceptual Physics. 11th Ed. Addison-Wesley, 2009. ISBN- 978-0-321-66256-9

Course Rules and Requirements 

11 graded assignments, 2 exams

Navigating Canvas

Before you begin your Phys 1100 coursework, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the online environment. The menu to the left directs you to important course information, resources, and materials.

Study Hints

• Complete all reading assignments.
• Keep a copy of every assignment submitted.
• Set a schedule allowing for course completion one month prior to your personal deadline.
• Web pages and URL links are constantly changing. Contact your instructor if you find a broken link.

Submitting Assignments

• You will submit your assignments through Canvas. Each lesson has a link for submitting the assignment for that lesson.  
• Students will receive graded lessons via Canvas.
• Write your name and V Number on every submission.
• Students may submit up to 2 lessons at once. Students may submit up to 2 lessons in one week.
• Wait for grades and feedback on lessons prior to submitting subsequent lessons.
• You will typically receive graded lessons within three weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor.
• Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.

Exam Guidelines

• Exams are closed book and closed note.

Email Standards

Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the email.

• In the email's subject line include: Your name, V number, course subject and number
  • Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321

Grade Information 

There are eleven graded assignments and two exams. The average of your assignment scores will count as 60% of the grade. Each exam will count as 20% (40% total).

• 93 – 100%  = A
• 90 – 92.9%  = A -
• 87 – 89.9%  = B+
• 83 – 86.9%  = B
• 80 – 82.9%  = B-
• 77 – 79.9%  = C+
• 73 – 76.9%  = C
• 70 – 72.9%  = C-
• 67 – 69.9%  = D+
• 63 – 66.9%  = D
• 60 – 62.9%  = D-
• Below 60  = F

Course Policies 

Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.